Virtual town hall will take place on Jan. 12 

Chief Wendell Shirley (Interim) invites the public to a virtual update on the department’s use of force policies following the completion of last year’s independent third-party review. The event will include time for community members to offer feedback and ask questions. 

During the summer of 2020, the City of Bellevue and the police department initiated a review of its policies following several high-profile national incidents and local concerns. This included the murder of George Floyd by a now-former Minneapolis police officer. The events sparked a national conversation about policing in general, social justice and how the city engages with communities of color.

As a result, Bellevue hired a third-party consultant in September 2020, the Office of Independent Review Group (OIR), to conduct a comprehensive review of the police department’s use of force policies. The review intended to identify whether reforms were needed and reform the police policies where necessary. It also included a commitment to engage with the community, seek input, and report findings.

Use of force policy update

OIR issued its final report in April 2021, citing 47 recommendations. Since then, the department has responded to 32 of the 47 recommendations, with eight more expected to be posted by the end of the week. You can find the progress report at bit.ly/UoFUpdate.

Please join us for an update on the reforms and to ask questions. The meeting will be virtual. Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, 6:30-8 p.m. Please register on Eventbrite.

Body-worn camera program

Chief Shirley will also discuss the department’s research into a body-worn camera program.  You can post questions for the meeting or provide feedback on the Engaging Bellevue webpage. 
Learn more about Bellevue Police and the department’s community-focused efforts at BellevueWA.gov/Police. 
 

Source: City News